Saint Petersburg

The official opening of the St. Petersburg program of the forum was held at the Hermitage Theatre, where shows of the "I Live Here" festival took place. The program consisted of documentary and animated films, video reports, and blogs dedicated to intercultural dialogue and topical social subjects.

The Hermitage's General Staff Building became the true epicenter of the forum, drawing in everyone open to a genuine intercultural dialogue. Within its historic walls, where the fate of empires was once decided, modern-day heroes were celebrated—the authors of the best works, whose creativity was able to transcend the boundaries of time and nationality.

A highlight was the "I Live Here" exhibition. Its collection, featuring works by acclaimed masters from across Eurasia and winners of the all-Russian project, unfolded as a vibrant mosaic of photographs, posters, and installations. Each project was a sincere narrative of a life filled with emotion and hope, showcasing the immense cultural wealth of our continent.

The new stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, one of the primary symbols of
St. Petersburg's cultural life, hosted the premiere of Vincenzo Bellini's opera "Norma". The forum participants had the privilege of attending this performance on the very day the St. Petersburg segment of the forum commenced.

After the show, the guests got a special chance to meet the creative team — Valery Gergiev, the Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre, and director Sergei Novikov.
They asked the creators about the idea behind the production, the director's work, and the technical details that made this "Norma" so remarkable.
This meeting helped everyone better understand how the art was made. It was also an important moment of cultural exchange. For many, it was their first time not only at the Mariinsky Theatre but also experiencing Russian theater at all.

The Karambol Theatre is known for its unique repertoire, which includes both classic works presented in unexpected ways and original productions by young directors. Its cozy, minimalist space encourages free artistic expression, inspiring actors to find innovative approaches and delve deeply into their material.
The family musicals, for which the Artistic Director personally composes the music, are especially popular with audiences. A key focus for the theatre is developing new forms of theatrical language and creating performances that actively draw the audience into the on-stage action.

Founded in 1865, the zoo has undergone numerous transformations and today is a modern ecological site dedicated primarily to the conservation of rare and endangered animal species from all corners of the planet.

As part of the tour, participants visited the exhibition "The Zoo During the Siege", which tells the story of the zoo's heroic history during the most difficult times. The exhibition details the courage and dedication of the staff who, despite hunger and cold, preserved the animals and maintained life at the zoo during the Siege of Leningrad. This exhibition became an important reminder of the strength of spirit and the unbreakable connection between humans and nature, even in extreme conditions.

The ascent to St. Isaac's Cathedral feels like a journey into the heart of Russian Orthodox tradition. This grand 19th-century architectural monument was built based on a design by the outstanding French architect Auguste Montferrand, under the decree of Emperor Alexander I.
The cathedral's interiors are adorned with numerous mosaics, frescoes, and paintings created by prominent 19th-century Russian artists such as Karl Bryullov and Fyodor Bruni. Furthermore, visitors can see unique sculptural elements—exquisitely carved iconostases and decorative details crafted by famous masters, including Peter Klodt and Ivan Vitali.
The cathedral opened to the public during the reign of Alexander II, in 1858, and immediately became one of the most majestic and frequently visited churches in the empire.

The Peter and Paul Fortress is more than just a monument; it's a living chronicle of the city's origins. Founded on May 16, 1703, on Zayachy Island according to plans by Peter the Great, it is the historical core and founding site of St. Petersburg. Its mighty walls echo the early days of St. Petersburg, when Peter the Great's ambitions were realized in a grandiose design.

The fortress, shaped like a six-pointed star, was built under the direction of the architect Domenico Trezzini. Its complex includes the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the burial place of the Russian emperors, whose spire houses the famous angel, one of the city's main symbols.

Throughout its history, the fortress was never used for its intended purpose—defense—but rather enjoyed the infamous reputation of being the main political prison of the Russian Empire, where prisoners such as Tsarevich Alexei, Alexander Radishchev, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Nikolai Chernyshevsky were held.

A special highlight of the forum's program was a visit to the Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery—a symbol of the tragedy and courage of the siege of Leningrad. Participants honored the memory of the fallen by stopping at a memorial plaque dedicated to the journalists who survived the siege. During the war, they continued to work in the besieged city, preserving truth and dignity in inhumane conditions.

The laying of flowers was an act of profound respect for their fortitude and dedication. In the silence of the memorial, participants realized the power of words in the fight against oblivion and the importance of preserving historical memory. This visit was not only a tribute to the past but also a reminder of the need to defend truth and humanity in the modern world.

The participants met with sculptor Maria Tretyakova at the "Blind Hearers" Memorial, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Leningrad from the siege. This memorial is a poignant and powerful tribute to the heroism of blind residents during the siege. Thanks to a unique aerial detection system and their exceptional hearing abilities, these individuals warned the citizens of the besieged city of impending enemy fire.

The monument features a bronze sculpture of a blind serviceman in a helmet with headphones, intently listening to the sky. Nearby are stylized horns of 1940s sound locators. A key feature of the composition is its tactile accessibility: the low pedestal allows visually impaired people to explore the memorial with their hands.

Maria Tretyakova spoke in detail about the creative process and the historical context: in 1942, 12 individuals with perfect pitch and musical education were selected from 300 blind Leningraders. They became the "listeners"—specialists who identified the type, number, and direction of enemy aircraft approaching the city, saving thousands of lives. This is the only known case in world history of totally blind individuals being conscripted into active military service.

A meeting was held with the young and talented Alexandra Rogova — a chef, blogger, and herbalist, a participant in the prestigious Russian culinary competition "Young Knives" and a two-time champion in wild herb knowledge. Alexandra shared her unique knowledge of the diversity of wild Russian herbs, which can be used in cooking to create unique flavor combinations and healthy dishes.

During a fascinating masterclass, she not only explained how to properly gather, store, and use these gifts of nature but also demonstrated their application in cooking. This included preparing traditional Khakas dishes called zhengely and fragrant "lazy" pies filled with wild greens. The participants cooked these national dishes alongside Alexandra, learning the secrets of pairing wild herbs with modern culinary techniques. Her engaging manner and practical advice sparked great interest and a desire to treat this natural heritage with greater care.

The next meeting took place at the "Anonymous Tasters" bar with bartender Vladimir, who immersed the group in the atmosphere of St. Petersburg's nightlife. Vladimir spoke about the revival and continuation of the traditions of Russian landed gentry distilling from the 19th-20th centuries, which are embodied in this small bar on the famous Rubinstein Street. This unique bar surprises guests with its special ambiance—it's a place where they not only masterfully prepare cocktails from secret recipes but also create the perfect mood for an unforgettable weekend in the city on the Neva. Vladimir shared stories and the finer points of the bartender's art, revealing the secrets behind creating exquisite drinks and explaining how to properly enjoy an evening in St. Petersburg, turning every night into a small adventure.